Leeds United transfer departures: Marc Roca, Willy Gnonto and Tyler Adams
- George Dempsey
- 17 July 2023
Leeds United have confirmed that Marc Roca is the fifth player to leave the club on loan with more departures expected.
Marc Roca became the fifth Leeds United player to leave on loan this week with the dreaded relegation loan clause striking again.
The Spaniard will join Real Betis for the entirety of the 2023-24 La Liga season and it's unclear whether or not the move includes an option to buy.
However, it's worth noting that the Whites are limited by FIFA regulations, meaning only two more senior players can go on loan to clubs in Europe.
Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Brenden Aaronson have also left on loan and the expectation is that Junior Firpo could join them.
Exits for the likes of Jack Harrison, Tyler Adams, Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville would all command transfer fees so Leeds can further reduce to wage bill and improve finances.
The results don't affect domestic loans, with recent rumours suggesting the likes of Leo Hjelde, Ian Poveda and Lewis Bate could again be lent out.
There's been little to no news about permanent departures at the club which is understood to be more a case of timing within the window rather than the obstructive takeover.
Daniel Farke and the 49ers are clear they'd love to keep Jack Harrison, Tyler Adams and Willy Gnonto among others, but they're realistic bids will come.
We're now into the third week of speculation that
Gnonto is closing in on a move to Everton, with some outlets even suggesting Leeds have rejected a £15 million bid.
Fans and pundits expect USA captain Tyler Adams to leave but he's yet to make a full return to training with an injury setback stopping clubs from committing to a bid.
The American underwent hamstring surgery in March and missed the USA's Nations League win over the summer.
Adams has taken part in rehab and light training since the end of the season but has since suffered a setback.
The number six has been given an extended break and was holidaying in Hawaii earlier this month.
Initial plans were for him to feature in the USA's Gold Cup squad for the tournament taking place between June 24 and July 16.
He's been tight-lipped about his future, with the only comments since relegation coming on a New York Red Bulls podcast a couple of weeks ago.
He said, "The fans were special. Playing at Elland Road is special. It's obviously a shame we didn't stay up because the fans deserve better. We'll get back there."
Leeds fans will naturally hope the 49ers can convince him to stay at Elland Road and despite interest from West Ham, Aston Villa and Brighton, it's worth noting no official approach has been made.
